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| Computer editing of display layout using Adobe Illustrator |
The EC Paper project is aimed at establishing printing processes for electronic devices, and for systems thereof, on paper and flexible foils. Our goal is to develop an all-in-line reel-to-reel printing process for organic electrochromic (EC) paper displays. At present time we are targeting advertisement and label/sticker applications.
The EC display technology is described here.
In short, EC paper display cells are built up from the combination of a conducting polymer coated paper, a printed electrochromic polymer film, a printed electrolyte pattern and a protective seal layer. In the resulting display cell, the optical contrast is a result of the contrast between the white paper surface and the electrochromic materials switched to its colored state.
At the present time demonstrators have been created proving the printability of EC paper displays. Meanwhile, several applications and potential customers have been identified. However, products, circuits and manufacturing design tools do not exist yet. To develop the design tools and establish the route for all-in-line reel-to-reel printing of EC displays we will:
- Develop reel-to-reel technologies for printing and patterning of the display layers
- Develop screen and flexo printing inks for electrochromic materials
- Develop polymer electrolyte screen printing inks
- Develop and adapt product design tools that include graphics and electronics.